Remotely controllable tuning system for television tuners

ABSTRACT

A television receiver has its usual plurality of different functions which are to be controlled. These may include the selection of different channels and/or the adjustment of different performance parameters such as volume, brightness, contrast, color quality, muting and on-off. A plurality of operators are individually spaced successively apart to control the different functions upon receipt of an appropriate impulse which may be either mechanical or electrical. To deliver such an impulse, an apparatus is movable to different positions that correspond to the different operators. External command signals are used to selectively control movement of the apparatus between the different positions and to effect delivery of the impulse at any given position.

Banach 1451 Dec. 10, 1974 REMOTELY CONTROLLABLE TUNING SYSTEM FORTELEVISION TUNERS Primary ExaminerHarold I. Pitts Attorney, Agent, orFirm-Nicholas A. Camasto; John J. Pederson [75] Inventor: Frank G.Banach, Oak Lawn, Ill.

[73] Assignee: Zenith Radio Corporation, Chicago, [57] ABSTRACT Atelevision receiver has its usual plurality of different 22 Filed; Apt 21973 functions which are to be controlled. These may include theselection of different channels and/or the [21] App! 347,289 adjustmentof different performance parameters such 1 as volume, brightness,contrast, color quality, muting 52 US. Cl 340/171 R, 178/DIG. 15,325/393 and A plurality Of Operators are individually 51 Int. Cl...-H04b l/l6 Spaced Sumssivrly apart to control the different func- [58]Field of Search 340/171 R; 178/DIG. 15; tions p receipt of anappropriate impulse which 325 393 39 may be either mechanical orelectrical. To deliver such an impulse, an apparatus is movable todifferent 5 References Cited positions that correspond to the differentoperators.

UNITED STATES PATENTS External command signals are used to selectivelycontrol movement of the apparatus between the different DEUZ positionsand o effect delivery of e mpulse at y 3,601,703 8/l97l Midgley.1l78/DIG1l5 iven Osition 3,768,019 10/1973 Podowski.... l78/DlG. 15 g p14 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures 34 23 N2 29 ma ma 2:5 UP (28 3o MOTOR LB DoN m F 36 35 25KB CHIN NEL W REMROEEEESgrTROL 3| J 37 26 2 E FUNCTION 1L,L38

ll ON-OFF SWITCH L, 12

. VOLUME CONTROL HUE "LJB z CONTROL 9 2 l4 l '6 COLOR will)?" T teaasa mBRIGHTNESS L5 CONTROL CONTRAST Q6 CONTROL MUTE \17 SWITCH C Pmmimi3.854.123

SHEEI t 0F 4 COLOR TUNER TELEVISION J I V I0 REPRODUCER 125 A N CHANNELi ACTUATOR m 50 B+ I26 VOLTAGE \J T SENSOR SWITCH I l2 127 VOLTAGEVOLUME 4 1 sFNsoR CONTROL e T 5 f VOLTAGE HUE SENSOR CONTROL a T I29 JVOLTAGE SATURATION u SENSOR CONTROL l 0 l5 I30 J l VOLTAGE BRIGHTNESSSENSOR CONTROL l VOLTAGE CONTRAST SENSOR CONTROL l l I32 J m VOLTAGEMUTE 1 SENSOR SWITCH E 38 t H6 6 T 103 FUNCTION A ACTUATOR REMOTELYCONTROLLABLE TUNING SYSTEM FOR TELEVISION TUNERS BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION The present invention pertains to television functionselectionsystems. More particularly, it relates to such systems which areparticularly adapted for remote control.

Since first offered in a customer-acceptable form, the remote control oftelevision receivers has proven to be a most attractive feature. Manyviewers have enjoyed being able to change channels, mute the audiosignal from the receiver, and adjust volume or the like directly fromtheir viewing position remote from the receiver itself. While the remotelike may be accomplished by a variety of different systems, includingwires, light-operated photocells and radio signals, probably the mostwidely acclaimed television remote control system is that which was sosuccessfully introduced by the assignee of the present application andwhich involved the use of ultrasonic signals. In that approach,manually-operable pushbuttons in a hand-held transmitter unit activaterespective mechanical vibrators which, in turn, generate ultrasonicsignals of respective different frequencies that are projected to thetelevision receiver. At the receiver, those signals are segregated withrespect to their different frequencies and utilized to developrespective different functioncontrol signals. Typifying such atransmitter are the embodiments disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,821,955issued in the name of R. C. Ehlers et al., on Feb. 4, 1958. A highlyadvantageous receiver approach is that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.2,821,954 issued in the name of R. Adler also issued on Feb. 4, 1958.

Initially, it was customary to employ the remote control system for thepurpose of changing channels, adjusting volume, turning the televisionreceiver off and on and muting the audio, the latter especially toeliminate annoying commericals. Subsequently, other control functionswere added. These included the control of such parameters as hue andsaturation of color receiver displays. To accomplish the inclusion ofthese additional control functions without having to add a correspondingnumber of different control frequencies, one approach has been to usecombinations of a basic set of control signals, transmitted either incertain sequences or coincidentally. In this way, for instance, fourbasic control signals may be utilized to control a larger number ofspecific different function. However, this has led to significantcomplexity at the receiver, while at the same time allowing for thepossibility of greater confusion of the inexperienced user. Moreover,the recent expansion in usage of the many UHF channels, as compared tothe original common usage in a given area of only a few VHF channels,has greatly increased the problems connected with selecting a desiredchannel, both manually at the receiver itself and remotely from adistant point.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is, accordingly, a general object of thepresent invention to provide a new and improved televisionfunction-selection system which aids in alleviating the complexities andproblems noted above.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved television function-selection system which enables theselection and control of a very large number of functions whilerequiring but a comparatively small number of command signals or commandoperations.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a new andimprovedtelevision function-selection system in which a significantportion of the apparatus utilized to achieve selection from among thedifferent available channels also is utilized, in an alternative mode,to control the operation or selection ofa variety of other functions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A television function-selection systemconstructed in accordance with the present invention includes atelevision receiver that has a plurality of different functions to becontrolled. A corresponding plurality of operators individually arespaced successively apart with each being responsive to an immpulse forindividually operating respective different ones of those functions.Included are means movable to selected different ones of a plurality ofdifferent positions individually corresponding to respective differentones of the operators and, at each position, selectively delivering theimpulse to the corresponding operator. Finally, means respond toexternal command signals for selectively controlling movement of themovable means between the different positions as well as controllingdelivery of the impulse to the operator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The features of this invention whichare believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in theappended claims. The invention, together with further objects andadvantages thereof, may best be understood, however, by reference to thefollowing description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in the several figures of which like reference numeralsidentify like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a remotely-controlled color televisionreproducer;

FIG. 2 is a front-elevational view of a functioncontrol panel utilizedin the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2',

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken of a portion of theapparatus in FIG. 2 with its front panel removed;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along the lines 5-5in FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an arrangement alternative to theelectro-mechanical approach particularized in FIGS. 3-5.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplaryoverall arrangement that includes a remotely-controlled televisionreceiver. Thus, a color television reproducer 10 is shown as havingmeans to control or adjust a variety of different functions. Theseinclude an on/off switch 1 l, a volume control 12, a hue control 13, asaturation control 14, a brightness control 15, a contrast control 16and a mute switch 17. Each of the names of these controls is used hereinin accordance with its ordinary terminology. For example, the huecontrol determines the emphasis within the color spectra which generallyruns from purple to green. Saturation, on the other hand, refers to thelevel of color. Each of function controls 11-17 is individually governedby operation of a selection system 19. In addition to control of thevarious functions specifically illustrated, selection system 19 alsoserves to control operation of the tuner (not shown) in reproducer so asto select among the number of different television channels; thechannelselection signal is fed to reproducer 10 from selection system 19over a path 20.

To the extent desired, selection system 19 may include manually operableelements, such as pushbuttons or knobs, for directly controlling thedifferent functions at the television receiver. In themselves, thesedifferent controls may be entirely conventional. In addition, however,the arrangement of FIG. 1 includes a remote control system capable ofalso selectively governing operation of the different control functions.To that end, a remote control transmitter 22 includes four differentmanually-operable pushbuttons 23, 24, 25 and 26 respectively labeled up,down, channel and function. While any of the different modes of remotecontrol signal transmission mentioned in the introduction may beutilized, as herein contemplated transmitter 22 is of the ultrasonictype such as disclosed in the Ehlers, et al., patent mentioned above.Correspondingly, the system includes a remote-control receiver 28 of thekind disclosed in the aforementioned Adler patent. Accordingly, receiver28 segregates the four different signals of which transmitter 22 iscapable of generating into a corresponding number of control paths 29,30, 31 and 32. The signals corresponding to up or down commands,obtained respectively by depressing pushbuttons 23 or 24, are routedover corresponding paths 29 and 30 to a reversible motor 34; depressionof pushbutton 23 causes reversible motor 34 to rotate its shaft in onedirection, while depression or actuation of pushbutton 24 causes motor34 to rotate its shaft in the opposite direction. That shaft movement isfed into selection system 19 as indicated by a path 35. Depression ofchannel pushbutton 25 results in energization of a channel actuator 36which, in turn, is coupled to selection system 19 over a path 37.Finally, actuation of function pushbutton 26 results in the energizationof a function actuator 38 which governs certain operations withinselection system 19 by way of a path 39.

As labeled in FIG. 1, channel actuation has for convenience beenseparated from what is denominated as function actuation. It is to beunderstood, however, that the selection from among different channels isalso a matter of one variety of function selection. In any event, theoverall manner of operation of the system of FIG. I is such thatpushbutton 23 and 24 effect operation of motor 34 in a manner to enablethe selection of any one of a possible number of different channels.When the desired channel has been enabled, subsequent depression ofpushbutton 25 then effects the actual selection of that channel forreception by the television receiver. Alternatively, or at the sametime, pushbuttons 23 or 24 are utilized again to operate reversiblemotor 34 in a manner so as to enable the selection of any one of theseveral different available ones of controls 11-17. Subsequently, whenthe desired control has thus been enabled, pushbutton 26 is depressed asa result of which function actuator 38 causes that particular specificfunction to be operated or controlled. The manner in which thesedifferent selections may be achieved in practice will become moreapparent following discussion of the subsequent figures.

In the United States, standard television stations are each assigned aspecific one of the different available channels which are numbered from2 to 83. Even in most large metropolitan areas, however, the number ofsatisfactorily-receivable stations usually is limited to about five orsix. At most, the viewer is probably able to receive no more than about12 stations. In any event, the number of stations which a viewer mayreceive in any given geographical area is much less than the maximum 82channels assignable to broadcasters. Accordingly, a number of differenttelevision tuning systems have been produced which allow the user orinstaller to preset the television receiver so that, at least upon anykind of automatic or remote-controlled tuning, selections may be madefrom only among those channels which are utilized locally. This permitsskipping the unused channels entirely.

However, present regulations in the United States complicate the designof such tuning systems. For example, the tuning mechanism mustaccommodate both UHF and VHF channels, and it must be approximately aseasy to tune a UHF channel as it is to tune a VHF channel. With anyrepeated access system, there must be a minimum of six UHF channels, Inthe case ofa single-control tuning system, there must be a total of atleast 11 discrete channel positions, any of which is readily adjustablewithout tools, to receive any UHF channel.

The arrangement of FIG. 2 enables satisfaction of such requirements. Itinvolves the use ofa limited number of possible receiving channels whichmay be preset to the different local channels. In more detail, thatwhich is shown in FIG. 2 includes a selector panel 40 that desirably ismounted upon the external front surface of the cabinet which housesreproducer I0. Pro jecting through panel 40 are a plurality ofpushbuttons 42 respectively designated by the individual differentchannel numbers to which each is assigned for purposes of selection.Without more, these different pushbuttons may be manually depressed justfor that purpose as in any other conventional pushbutton tuningmechanism. For example, depression of the pushbuttons 42 designated bythe numeral four causes the tuner associated with reproducer 10 toselect the station on channel four for viewing and listening. Thus, andin a manner well known as such, each different pushbutton permits arespective different frequencyselective element to become operativewithin the television tuner. Typically, that element might be a resistorcontrolling a varactor, a capacitor or an inductor.

Also spaced along panel 40, in this case in a column parallel to thatformed by pushbuttons 42, are a series of labels 44 each of whichincludes a designation of a respective different operational parameterto be controlled in the television receiver. In themselves, thedifferent designations are self-explanatory. It may be noted, however,that in some cases, such as an on/off and mute, a single label isassigned. In others, such as volume or hue, one label indicates controlof that function in one direction while an immediately adjacent labeldesignates control of that function in the opposite direction.

Also included in panel 40 are a pair of elongated translucent windows 46and 47 respectively aligned alongside the column of pushbuttons 42 andthe column of labels 44. At a particular position within each of thewindows are respective light spots 48 and 49 which serve to indicate thecorresponding functions enabled for selection at any given light. Thatis, the position of light spots 48 and 49 as drawn in FIG. 2 indicate tothe viewer, who may be located a number of feet from the televisionreceiver, that channel seven is enabled for selection by use of hisremote control transmitter or that, alternatively, use of his remotecontrol transmitter will enable him to reduce the volume. Also shown inFIG. 2 is reversible motor 34 the shaft of which depends downwardly fromthe motor generally between the respective columns of pushbuttons 42 andlabels 44 as well as between windows 46 and 47. In this particularembodiment, the motor shaft is in the form of a lead screw 50.

Referring to FIG. 3 for more detail, pushbutton 42 is movably carriedwithin a slide 52 affixed to the back side of panel 40. Depression ofthe illustrated one of pushbuttons 42 results in the correspondingdepression of the plunger 53 of an on-off switch 54 mounted in a bracket55 affixed to a stationary support 56. A pair of leads 58 and'50 areelectrically connected upon depression of plunger 53. Accordingly, leads58 and 59 when electrically connected serve to complete an electricalcircuit for the appropriate frequency-determining element in thetelevision tuner. For example, a simple resistance may be connected in avaractor energization network to change the capacitance of the varactorto the desired frequency-determining value.

Driven along lead screw 50 is a nut 60 on one side of which is affixedan operator in the form of a solenoid 62 having an armature 63. Uponenergization of solenoid 62, plunger 63 is driven rearwardly of panel 40so as to urge against a lug 64, projecting laterally from the rear endportion of pushbutton 42, and thereby electromechanically depresspushbutton 42 against plunger 53. That is, plunger 53 of switch 54 maybe operated either by manual depression of pushbutton 42 or byenergization of solenoid 62.

Affixed to the opposite side of nut 60 is another solenoid 66 from whichprojects an armature 67. As shown, armature 67 is aligned with theplunger 68 of a switch 69 which in this case serves the function ofon-off switch 11 in FIG. I. That is, each successive depression ofplunger 68 alternatively opens and closes the connection between a pairof leads 71 and 72 in order to govern that function of reproducer 10.Switch 69 is mounted from the back side of panel 40 by a bracket 74.Another switch, identical to switch 69, is included in back of the muteposition at the bottom of panel 40 and opposite the channel designated53. Thus, when lead screw 50 is rotated so as to move solenoid 66 to thelower-most position in back of panel 40, energization of solenoid 66serves instead to control the mute function. At the same time,alternative or simultaneous energization of solenoid 62 would effectdepression of the pushbutton designated 53 so that channel would beselected.

Mounted on the casing of solenoid 62 and facing window 48 is anindicator lamp 76. Similarly mounted on solenoid 66 and facing window 49is another indicator lamp 77. When desired, only one window and thecorresponding indicator lamp are all that is necessary. As illustrated,however, the use of the two different light spots 48 and 49 assists theviewer in determining from a distance the parameter or function enabledfor control.

For the purpose of constraining rotation of the assembly includingnut 60and solenoids 62 and 66, and thus causing that assembly to traverse leadscrew 50 as the latter rotates, angle-shaped guide rails 80, 81, 82 and83 are located at the respective four corners of the assembly. Whileguide rails 83 might also serve as electrical connective elements, inthis case the leads for energizing the indicator lights and thesolenoids are in the form of a simple flexible cable.

In the particularized example of FIG. 4, motor 34 has been energized andthe nut and solenoid assembly is positioned adjacent to the labeldesignating a change of volume in the up, or louder direction. In thiscase, plunger 67 is aligned with an anvil slidably received in a journal91 carried by a rigid support 92; anvil 90 is biased toward plunger 67by a spring 90a. Projecting outwardly from anvil 90 is a flexible stem93 which serves in operation to drive an opposed cog in a ratchet wheel94 mounted on the shaft 95 of a potentiometer 96 as shown in FIG. 5.Thus, each energization of solenoid 66 causes plunger 67 to strike anvil90 and thus move stem 93 to effect rotation of shaft 95 by one ratchetnotch. In turn, each such advance in rotation of the ratchet Wheelresults in a stepped increase in volume by a preselected amount. Alsoaffixed to shaft 95 is a second ratchet wheel 97 which has its cogsoriented for rotation of the shaft in the opposite direction by means ofa stem 98 affixed to an anvil 99 located in the next position belowanvil 90. That is, in order to lower the volume, it is only necessary tocommand motor 34 to move the nut and solenoid assembly to the next lowerposition adjacent the label designating volume down, whereuponenergization of solenoid 66 causes the volume to be lowered one step. Ofcourse, ratchet wheels 94 and 97 are each mounted upon or coupled toshaft 95 by a suitable ratchet clutch so that either wheel is able todrive the shaft in its respective direction of control. Similar ratchetwheel assemblies are located at each of the other function positionsthat require a rotary action.

Of course, different mechanical arrangements may be utilized to achievethe specific operations illustrated. For example, a geneva drive may besubstituted for lead screw 50. In that case, movement of solenoids 62and 66 will occur in discrete steps from one position to the next. As anadded feature, shaft 95, and the analogous ratchet wheel shafts atothers of the control positions, may extend through the front panel andhave knobs affixed to permit manual control of the different functions.As an alternative to the use of rotary action in connection with anyfunction, pushbutton switches may be used in association with steppingcircuits.

Considering FIGS. I through 5 together, the overall principle ofoperation may be reviewed. Upon operation of transmitter 22, bydepression of either of pushbuttons 23 and 24, motor 34 is energized inthe appropriate direction to cause solenoid 62 and 66 effectively toscan, from one channel number to the next, while at the same timescanning the locations corresponding to the different other parametersthat may be controlled. When the solenoids reach the positioncorresponding to the desired function the viewer simply presses eitherpushbutton 25 or pushbutton 26 to effect operation of the correspondingchannel actuator 36 or function actuator 37. That is, channel actuator36 in this case is solenoid 62, while function actuator 38 is solenoid66. Thus, the same apparatus which is utilized to achieve selection fromamong the different available channels also is utilized to enableselection of any one of the other parameters to be controlled. Asillustrated, 12 different parameters are each separately controllable inaddition to channel selection in either an up or down direction. Yet,all this is accomplished with but four different remote control signals.Another advantage, as compared with some prior systems, is that actualchannel selection occurs only after the channel has been enabled; thatis, there is no need to sequence through a number of undesiredsuccessive channels to reach a desired channel.

In contrast with the primarily electro-mechanical approach detailed inFIGS. 35, FIG. 6 illustrates a system which is primarily electrical. Inthis case, reproducer 10 is again subject to both local and remotecontrol of a plurality of functions 1117 the same as in the case ofFIG. 1. Its tuner 100 is specifically of the type in which a varactor101 is the primary frequencydetermining element.

varactor-controlled tuners are now commerically available and require nooperational description. It will, therefore, suffice merely to maintainthat the varactor exhibits a change in capacitance in response to achange in the potential applied across its terminals. By using thevaractor to establish the capacitance in a frequency-selective circuit,it thus becomes necessary only to adjust the level of the appliedpotential in order to change the selected frequency.

Shaft 50, in this case, is shown more completely as being journaled atits lower end in a stationary bearing 103. A nut, 105 is suitablyconstrained to ride up or down lead screw 50 as the latter is rotated.Projecting outwardly from one side of nut 105 is a tap or contact 106movable by the nut to successively electrically wipe different ones of aplurality of fixed contacts 107. Fixed contacts 107 are respectivelyconnected to individual different junctions between a series ofresistors 108 which together form a voltage divider connected between asource of positive potential 13+ and ground. Movable contact 106 isconnected by a lead 110 to channel actuator or switch 36 which, in turn,is operable to supply the potential on movable contact 106 to varactor101 by way of a lead 112.

In operation, pushbuttons 23 and 24 of transmitter 22 are used as beforeto command energization of reversible motor 34 and consequent rotationof shaft 50. Each of fixed contacts 107 corresponds to a specificallyassigned one of the respective different channels. Thus, movement of nut105 in response to the up or down command signals serves to select fromthe appropriate one of fixed contacts 107 a channel-determiningpotential that may be fed to tuner 100 to control the tuning capacitancepresented by varactor 101. When nut 105 has been positioned to thedesired channel position, subsequent depression of channel-selectionpushbutton effects switch closure in channel actuator 36 to feed thefrequency-determining potential to the varactor. As illustrated in FIG.6, the voltage divider network has been simplified for convenience ofillustration. In actual practice, where tuner 100 may have entirelyseparate portions for respective receiving channels in the VHF and UHFportions of the spectrum, it is contemplated that the system would alsoinclude a suitable arrangement, which may be as simple as a switchoperated upon the passage of nut past a selected position, to enablechanging between VHF and UHF operation of the tuner.

A more sophisticated voltage-divider arrangement, which accommodatesdifferent voltage ranges required in view of unequal frequency spacingsbetween different ones of the channels, is described and claimed in thecopending application of Melvin C. Hendrickson, Ser. No. 331,921, filedFeb. 12, 1973 (1,728), and assigned to the same assignee as the presentapplication. Also featured is a means for achieving a fine-tuningvoltlage adjustment without altering the voltage distribution within thedivider itself. Such features of that application may be adapted to theembodiment of FIG. 6.

Selection from among the different other control pa- 7 rameters isachieved in an analogous matter. Thus, another movable contact iscarried by nut 105 in a location to wipe successively across a pluralityof fixed contacts 121. Contacts 121 are individually connected torespective differentjuncti ons between a corresponding plurality ofresistors 122 again connected in series to form a voltage divider whichextends between 8+ and ground. In this case, the potential derived bymovable contact 120 at any given time is fed by a lead 125 to each ofaplurality of voltage sensors 126132 associated respectively withfunction controls 11-17. As will be apparent, each voltage sensorresponds only to a corresponding level of voltage on the voltage dividerselected by movable contact 120. Each of sensors 126-136 also is enabledto operate only in response to energization of function actuator 38.Thus, the only one of voltage sensors 126132 which will operate at anygiven time is the one corresponding to the input voltage level selectedby movable contact 120 from the voltage divider composed of resistors122. Moreover, that particular voltage sensor is only armed by theappropriate voltage until such time as pushbutton 26 is depressed so asto energize actuator 38. When both armed and enabled to operate, theparticular voltage sensor tires or operates the associated controlfunction. Alternatively, any one or more ofsensors l26l32 may be chosenso as to operate automatically upon application of the proper voltagebut without enabling by actuator 38.

A variety of known control circuits are available which may be utilizedin the place of any of voltage sensors 126-132 or controls 11-17. Thesensors need only function as gates that have upper and lowerthresholds. In principle, the controls may be stepping or ramp circuitsthat respond to the gate voltage. A variety of voltage or currentresponsive control circuits are known that may be employed to adjust aresistance or capacitance in a variable gain stage for governing thefunction being controlled.

Whatever specific approach is followedas to any of the different detailsand alternatives, it will be observed that the system described andillustrated enables control of a large multiplicity of functions withbut a few control signals. At the same time, the addressing is such asto avoid any necessity of sequencing through different successivefunctions. Moreover, the very same system used for the purpose ofaddressing different channels to be selected also may be utilized toaddress a number of different control functions or parameters. In allcases, the general approach affords a wide flexibility of design to themanufacturer. That is, the manner of construction and assembly of thedifferent parts in the electromechanical version detailed in FIGS. 35may vary widely in correspondence with the economics of component andfabrication costs. Analogously, the primarily electrical approach ofFIG. 6 also affords a great degree of flexibility. As one example, thelinear motion of the lead screw and its nut as illustrated may readilybe replaced by a rotary switch. Presently available techniques permitprinting of the different fixed contacts in an annular array for accessby a circularly movable contact. Resistors 108 and 122 may be printedand interconnected directly on the substrate carrying the fixedcontacts. An example of such an arrangement is included in theaforementioned Hendrickson application.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shownand described, it is apparent that changes and modifications may be madetherein without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. Theaim of the appended claims, therefore, is to cover all such changes andmodifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. A television function-selection system comprising:

a television receiver having a plurality of different functions to becontrolled;

a corresponding plurality of operators individually spaced successivelyapart and each responsive to an impulse for individually operatingrespective different ones of said functions;

movable means, including a selectively rotatable lead screw and a nutmovable along said lead screw upon rotation thereof, movable to selecteddifferent ones of a plurality of different positions individuallycorresponding to respective different ones of said operators and, ateach position, selectively delivering said impulse to the correspondingoperator;

and means responsive to external command signals for selectivelycontrolling movement of said movable means between said differentpositions and delivery of said impulse to said operators.

2. A system as defined in claim I further includes an actuator carriedby said lead screw for movement to said different positions to deliversaid impulse.

3. A system as defined in claim 1 in which at least one of saidoperators is a movement responsive switch, and inwhich said movablemeans includes a solenoid having a plunger that moves to actuate saidswitch.

4. A system as defined in claim 3 which further includes means for alsomanually actuating said switch.

5. A system as defined in claim I in which at least one of saidoperators includes a rotatable shaft having a shaft rotator, and inwhich said movable means includes a solenoid having an armature thatmoves to actuate said shaft rotator. t

6. A system as defined in claim 5 in which movement of said movablemeans to one of said positions enables actuation of said shaft rotatorin one direction and movement of said movable means toanother of saidpositions enables actuation of said shaft rotator in the oppositedirection.

7. A system as defined in claim 1 in which said operators individuallyinclude respective different ones of a plurality of voltage-responsivesensors and in which said movable means includes means for developing aplurality of different voltages in correspondence with respectivedifferent ones of said positions and, at each different position,supplying the corresponding voltage to the respective sensor.

8. A system as defined in claim 1 in which said operators individuallyinclude respective different ones of a plurality of voltage-responsivesensors, in which said system includes a voltage divider, and in whichsaid movable means includes a tap movable among different positions onsaid divider to feed respective different voltages to said sensors.

9. A system as defined in claim 8 in which said system further includesmeans separate from said movable means and said voltage divider forenabling operation of said sensors.

10. A system as defined in claim 1 which further includes a scaledistributed in correspondence with said different positions and in whichan indicator is moved along said scale by said movable means to indicatethe one of said operators to which said impulse is delivered.

11. A system as defined in claim 1 in which said movable means includesfunction-selection means for selectively controlling movement of saidmovable means to the different ones of said positions andactuationselection means for selectively controlling the delivery ofsaid impulse to the one of said operators corresponding to the selectedone of said positions.

12. A system as defined in claim I in which said movable means includesmeans for automatically enabling operation of said operator to saidimpulse upon location of said movable means at the correspondingposition.

13. A system as defined in claim I in which said operators aredistributed into two groups in each of which a respective plurality ofthe operators individually are spaced successively apart, in which eachof said different positions individually corresponds to a respective oneoperator in each of said groups, and which includes means forselectively delivering an impulse to either one of the pair of operatorscorresponding to the selected one of said positions.

14. A system as defined in claim 13 in which one of said two groups ofoperators functions to select channels of television channels and theother of said two groups of operators functions to control reproductionqualities of said television receiver.

1. A television function-selection system comprising: a televisionreceiver having a plurality of different functions to be controlled; acorresponding plurality of operators individually spaced successivelyapart and each responsive to an impulse for individually operatingrespective different ones of said functions; movable means, including aselectively rotatable lead screw and a nut movable along said lead screwupon rotation thereof, movable to selected different ones of a pluralityof different positions individually corresponding to respectivedifferent ones of said operators and, at each position, selectivelydelivering said impulse to the corresponding operator; and meansresponsive to external command signals for selectively controllingmovement of said movable means between said different positions anddelivery of said impulse to said operators.
 2. A system as defined inclaim 1 further includes an actuator carried by said lead screw formovement to said different positions to deliver said impulse.
 3. Asystem as defined in claim 1 in which at least one of said operators isa movement responsive switch, and in which said movable means includes asolenoid having a plunger that moves to actuate said switch.
 4. A systemas defined in claim 3 which further includes means for also manuallyactuating said switch.
 5. A system as defined in claim 1 in which atleast one of said operators includes a rotatable shaft having a shaftrotator, and in which said movable means includes a solenoid having anarmature that moves to actuate said shaft rotator.
 6. A system asdefined in claim 5 in which movement of said movable means to one ofsaid positions enables actuation of said shaft rotator in one directionand movement of said movable means to another of said positions enablesactuation of said shaft rotator in the opposite direction.
 7. A systemas defined in claim 1 in which said operators individually incLuderespective different ones of a plurality of voltage-responsive sensorsand in which said movable means includes means for developing aplurality of different voltages in correspondence with respectivedifferent ones of said positions and, at each different position,supplying the corresponding voltage to the respective sensor.
 8. Asystem as defined in claim 1 in which said operators individuallyinclude respective different ones of a plurality of voltage-responsivesensors, in which said system includes a voltage divider, and in whichsaid movable means includes a tap movable among different positions onsaid divider to feed respective different voltages to said sensors.
 9. Asystem as defined in claim 8 in which said system further includes meansseparate from said movable means and said voltage divider for enablingoperation of said sensors.
 10. A system as defined in claim 1 whichfurther includes a scale distributed in correspondence with saiddifferent positions and in which an indicator is moved along said scaleby said movable means to indicate the one of said operators to whichsaid impulse is delivered.
 11. A system as defined in claim 1 in whichsaid movable means includes function-selection means for selectivelycontrolling movement of said movable means to the different ones of saidpositions and actuation-selection means for selectively controlling thedelivery of said impulse to the one of said operators corresponding tothe selected one of said positions.
 12. A system as defined in claim 1in which said movable means includes means for automatically enablingoperation of said operator to said impulse upon location of said movablemeans at the corresponding position.
 13. A system as defined in claim 1in which said operators are distributed into two groups in each of whicha respective plurality of the operators individually are spacedsuccessively apart, in which each of said different positionsindividually corresponds to a respective one operator in each of saidgroups, and which includes means for selectively delivering an impulseto either one of the pair of operators corresponding to the selected oneof said positions.
 14. A system as defined in claim 13 in which one ofsaid two groups of operators functions to select channels of televisionchannels and the other of said two groups of operators functions tocontrol reproduction qualities of said television receiver.